The world’s third-largest island of Borneo has always been seen as a destination for wild adventures.
Towering peaks, long meandering rivers, and thick tropical rainforest provide an image of lost world escapism. For the early explorers, penetrating the Bornean interior was an adventure in itself, and even today, there are still places to get the adrenalin pumping with some awesome adventures in both Sarawak and Sabah. Here are five fab adventures to seek out when next in East Malaysia
MOUNTAIN BIKING, SABAH
Mountain biking is a popular activity that almost anyone can take on these days. Bike Borneo offers several options in Sabah with an all-day mountain bike ride for beginners. Make it more adventurous with a gentle whitewater raft in the morning on the Kiulu River (not as wild as the Padas) and then some easy mountain biking after a BBQ lunch. More experienced cyclists may want to head off on a four-day adventure starting at Mount Kinabalu National Park and then downhill into the Kiau Valley. Pass Dusan villages, farms and jungle before spending the night in a local homestay. On day two, it’s a 43km cycle and day three, just 30km before returning to Kota Kinabalu on the morning of day four. A support vehicle provides invaluable backup and all meals and beverages plus accommodation are taken care of by biking professionals.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING, SABAH
This story is from the July/August/September 2017 edition of Senses of Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July/August/September 2017 edition of Senses of Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
5 Ride The Rails: Sights Of The Peninsula
Malaysia’s new ETS train operating northwards on double-tracking from Kuala Lumpur and to the border with Thailand at Padang Besar opens up many possibilities for travel.
Peranakan Penang
Penang is malaysia’s island melting pot, a rich and varied palette of cultural colours spanning the recent centuries. As Petra O’Neill discovers first-hand, to her great delight, the influence of the Peranakans in Penang simply cannot be overstated.
Malaysia's Orphaned Orang Utans
The Orang Utan Is an Endangered Species, but as David Bowden Discovers, Two Sanctuaries in East Malaysia Are Doing All They Can to Ensure They Don’t Become Extinct.
East Malaysian Adventures
The world’s third-largest island of Borneo has always been seen as a destination for wild adventures.
Mystical Mulu & Miri
East Malaysia Is a Natural Paradise That Is Closer Than Many Think. David Bowden Explores Sarawak’s Gunung Mulu National Park and Nearby Coastal Miri.
Island Gems In East Malaysia
The quickest way to get you out of the rat race and right back on your feet is a short island getaway.
Music Without Borders
Frequent Festival-goer David Bowden Recaps His Experiences From the Eclectic the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak as It Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary This Year.
Capturing the Beauty of Malaysia
Malaysia’s Natural Beauty Is Oftentimes So Beguiling That It Inspires Photographer Ezy Azhar Time and Time Again to Strive to Capture the Best Photos of It. Sharuna Segaren Chats With Him on What Makes a Good Photo.
Advocating Through Theatre
Malaysian director Kee Thuan Chye has the ability to connect the past to the present in his perceptive plays. Sharuna Segaren chats with him in the midst of preparing for his latest play, Swordfish + Concubine.
Ipoh Springs To Life
More than a town of white coffee and great noodles, Ipoh is increasingly flexing its modern muscle as a legitimate tourist destination. Travel photojournalist David Bowden visits the Perak capital city once again and finds the tourism evolution in full swing.